Man accused of killing grandfather mentally fit for trial: High Court

A man accused of killing and dismembering his 86-year-old grandfather in Wainibuka has been found fit to plead following a psychiatric evaluation ordered by the High Court.

Charles Laxton Sundar appeared before Justice Usaia Ratuvili at the High Court in Suva earlier this week, where the court was informed that the latest psychiatric report from St Giles Psychiatric Hospital found him mentally fit to face court proceedings.

Sundar is charged with the murder of his grandfather, Emori Rokovuki.

It is alleged that on July 12, 2025, at Navokadamu Settlement in Lutu, Wainibuka, Sundar attacked Rokovuki with a cane knife, causing injuries that later led to his death.

Police further allege that after the killing, Sundar dismembered the body using knives before placing the remains in a sack.

The psychiatric evaluation was ordered by the court in November last year to determine whether Sundar was mentally fit to stand trial.

The matter has been adjourned to May 28 for further proceedings.

Sundar remains in custody.